A fuel system, a method of fueling a vehicle, and a vehicle are provided. The fuel system has a recirculation line connecting a fuel tank to a fuel fill inlet. An ejector is positioned within the recirculation line, and a valve is positioned within a drain line fluidly connecting the ejector to the fuel tank. A pressure sensor is positioned to measure a pressure associated with the drain line between the ejector and the valve. A controller is in communication with the pressure sensor, and the controller configured to, in response to initiation of a refueling event, determine a state of the valve based on the pressure.
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3. The fuel system of claim 2 wherein the entry condition is met when the first pressure is substantially equal to the second pressure after a key-off event.
A fuel system for an internal combustion engine includes a fuel tank, a fuel pump, and a pressure sensor that measures fuel pressure in the fuel line. The system monitors fuel pressure before and after a key-off event, where the engine is shut down. The system determines an entry condition is met when the fuel pressure in the fuel line stabilizes to a value substantially equal to the fuel pressure in the fuel tank after the key-off event. This condition indicates that fuel flow has ceased and the system can proceed with diagnostic or maintenance operations. The system may include additional sensors or controllers to verify fuel pressure equilibrium and ensure accurate detection of the entry condition. The fuel system may also include a fuel pressure regulator to maintain desired pressure levels during engine operation. The entry condition detection helps prevent false diagnostics by confirming that fuel pressure has fully equalized between the fuel line and the tank before performing further checks. This ensures reliable operation of the fuel system and reduces unnecessary maintenance or diagnostic procedures.
4. The fuel system of claim 2 wherein the controller is further configured to set a flag associated with the ejector in response to the entry condition not being met after a key-off event.
A fuel system for an internal combustion engine includes a controller that monitors fuel pressure in a fuel rail and controls an ejector to regulate fuel flow. The ejector is activated when a fuel pressure entry condition is met, such as a pressure threshold being exceeded. If the entry condition is not satisfied after a key-off event, the controller sets a flag associated with the ejector. This flag may indicate a fault or require diagnostic action. The system ensures proper fuel pressure management during engine operation and shutdown, preventing issues like fuel starvation or overpressure. The controller may also adjust fuel delivery parameters based on the flag status, ensuring optimal engine performance and reliability. The fuel system integrates with the engine's electronic control unit (ECU) to provide real-time monitoring and control of fuel pressure, enhancing efficiency and reducing emissions. The flag mechanism helps maintain system integrity by identifying potential malfunctions early, allowing for timely maintenance or adjustments. This design is particularly useful in modern fuel-injected engines where precise fuel pressure control is critical for performance and emissions compliance.
6. The fuel system of claim 1 wherein the controller is further configured to determine the state of the valve in response to a fuel fill rate being greater than a threshold.
A fuel system for vehicles includes a controller that monitors and regulates fuel delivery. The system addresses the problem of fuel overfilling or improper fueling rates, which can lead to inefficiencies, emissions, or system damage. The controller is configured to determine the state of a valve in response to a fuel fill rate exceeding a predefined threshold. This ensures that fuel is delivered at an optimal rate, preventing excessive flow that could cause spills, pressure issues, or other operational problems. The valve state determination may involve opening, closing, or adjusting the valve to maintain safe and efficient fueling. The system may also include sensors to measure fuel flow, pressure, or other parameters, providing real-time data to the controller for precise regulation. By dynamically adjusting the valve based on fuel fill rate, the system enhances fueling accuracy, reduces waste, and improves overall system reliability. This approach is particularly useful in automotive, industrial, or aviation applications where precise fuel management is critical.
8. The fuel system of claim 6 wherein the controller is further configured to receive a signal indicative of a fuel fill rate for another vehicle at a filling station.
A fuel system for vehicles includes a controller that monitors and controls fuel delivery to a vehicle's fuel tank. The system addresses the problem of inefficient or unsafe fueling processes by dynamically adjusting fuel flow rates based on real-time conditions. The controller is configured to receive signals from various sensors, such as fuel level sensors, pressure sensors, and temperature sensors, to ensure optimal fuel delivery. Additionally, the controller can receive a signal indicative of the fuel fill rate for another vehicle at the same filling station. This allows the system to coordinate fueling operations across multiple vehicles, preventing overloading of the station's fuel supply infrastructure and improving overall efficiency. The controller may also adjust the fuel flow rate to the vehicle based on the received fill rate signal, ensuring that the station's fueling capacity is not exceeded. The system may further include safety mechanisms to prevent overfilling or fuel spillage, enhancing both safety and environmental compliance. The fuel system is particularly useful in high-traffic fueling stations where multiple vehicles are refueled simultaneously, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
9. The fuel system of claim 1 wherein the controller is further configured to set a flag associated with the valve in response to the pressure being less than an atmospheric pressure.
A fuel system for managing fuel pressure in a vehicle includes a controller that monitors fuel pressure within a fuel tank. The system detects when the pressure drops below atmospheric pressure, indicating a potential leak or vacuum condition. In response, the controller sets a flag associated with a valve in the system, which can be used to trigger diagnostic checks, alert the driver, or initiate corrective actions. The valve may be part of a fuel vapor management system, such as a canister purge valve or a vent valve, which regulates fuel vapor flow between the fuel tank and an external canister. The controller may also adjust the valve's operation to prevent further pressure loss or to restore pressure balance. This system helps maintain optimal fuel system performance, reduces emissions, and prevents damage from excessive vacuum conditions. The flag-setting mechanism ensures that the system can log and respond to pressure anomalies for maintenance or diagnostic purposes. The invention is particularly useful in vehicles with advanced fuel vapor recovery systems, where precise pressure control is critical for compliance with emissions regulations.
10. The fuel system of claim 1 further comprising an evaporative emissions system fluidly connected to the recirculation line between the ejector and the second end, the evaporative emissions system including a fuel vapor canister positioned to receive fuel vapor from the fuel tank via the second end of the recirculation line, the evaporative emissions system having a first valve fluidly coupling the recirculation line to the canister via a first conduit, and a second valve fluidly coupling the recirculation line to the canister via a second conduit, the second conduit in parallel to the first conduit.
Fuel systems and controlling evaporative emissions. This invention pertains to a fuel system designed to manage fuel vapors and prevent their release into the atmosphere. Specifically, it addresses the problem of capturing and storing fuel vapors generated within a fuel tank. The system includes a fuel tank and a recirculation line. An evaporative emissions system is fluidly connected to this recirculation line. This evaporative emissions system features a fuel vapor canister, which is configured to receive fuel vapors from the fuel tank. The vapors enter the canister by way of the recirculation line. The connection between the recirculation line and the canister is facilitated by two conduits, each controlled by a separate valve. The first valve fluidly couples the recirculation line to the canister through a first conduit. The second valve fluidly couples the recirculation line to the canister through a second conduit. Notably, the second conduit operates in parallel with the first conduit, providing an alternative or supplementary path for fuel vapor to reach the canister. This parallel configuration enhances the efficiency and reliability of fuel vapor capture.
11. The fuel system of claim 10 wherein the controller is further configured to control the first valve to a closed position in response to the refueling event, and prior to determining the state of the valve.
A fuel system for vehicles includes a controller that monitors and manages fuel flow during refueling events. The system addresses the challenge of ensuring proper fuel delivery while preventing leaks or spills during refueling. The controller is connected to at least one valve that regulates fuel flow between a fuel tank and a refueling port. During a refueling event, the controller is configured to close the valve before determining its current state. This ensures the valve is in a known closed position before refueling begins, reducing the risk of unintended fuel discharge. The system may also include sensors to detect fuel levels, pressure, or other conditions, allowing the controller to adjust valve positions dynamically. The controller may further verify valve functionality by comparing expected and actual states, ensuring reliable operation. This design improves safety and efficiency in refueling processes by preventing leaks and ensuring proper fuel flow control.
12. The fuel system of claim 11 wherein the controller is further configured to pulse the second valve in response to the refueling event and while determining the state of the valve.
The invention relates to a fuel system designed to manage fuel vapor emissions during refueling events. The system addresses the problem of uncontrolled fuel vapor release during refueling, which can lead to environmental pollution and regulatory non-compliance. The fuel system includes a first valve that controls fuel vapor flow between a fuel tank and a canister, and a second valve that regulates fuel vapor flow between the canister and the atmosphere. A controller monitors the state of the second valve to ensure proper operation. During a refueling event, the controller pulses the second valve to verify its functionality while simultaneously determining its operational state. This ensures that the valve is correctly positioned to prevent excessive vapor emissions. The system may also include a pressure sensor to detect pressure changes in the fuel tank, allowing the controller to adjust valve operations accordingly. The controller may also compare pressure readings to expected values to detect leaks or malfunctions in the system. The invention improves fuel vapor management by actively verifying valve performance during refueling, reducing emissions and enhancing system reliability.
13. The fuel system of claim 12 wherein the controller is further configured to set a flag associated with the valve in response to the pressure being less than an atmospheric pressure prior to the second valve being pulsed.
Fuel systems. This invention addresses issues related to managing fuel pressure and valve operation within a fuel system, particularly concerning conditions where internal pressure drops below atmospheric pressure. The described system includes a fuel system with a valve. A controller is integrated into this system. The controller is programmed to detect when the pressure within the fuel system drops to a level below atmospheric pressure, specifically before a second valve (as described in a previous context) undergoes a pulsed operation. Upon detecting this low-pressure condition occurring prior to the second valve's pulsing, the controller is configured to set a specific flag that is associated with the valve. This flag serves as an indicator of the low-pressure event occurring before the valve's pulsed activation.
14. The fuel system of claim 12 wherein the controller is further configured to set a flag associated with the valve and an outlet of the ejector in response to the pressure being greater than an atmospheric pressure subsequent to the second valve being pulsed.
A fuel system for managing fuel flow in an aircraft or other vehicle includes a controller that monitors and regulates fuel pressure. The system addresses the challenge of ensuring proper fuel distribution and pressure control, particularly in conditions where fuel pressure may fluctuate or exceed safe operating limits. The system includes an ejector with an outlet, a valve that can be pulsed to control fuel flow, and a pressure sensor to detect fuel pressure. The controller is configured to compare the detected pressure against a threshold, such as atmospheric pressure, and take corrective action if the pressure exceeds this threshold. Specifically, if the pressure is greater than atmospheric pressure after the valve has been pulsed, the controller sets a flag associated with both the valve and the ejector outlet. This flag may indicate a fault condition, trigger a diagnostic check, or initiate a corrective action to maintain system stability. The system ensures reliable fuel delivery by actively monitoring and responding to pressure variations, preventing potential malfunctions or inefficiencies in fuel distribution. The controller's ability to set flags based on pressure readings enhances system diagnostics and maintenance, improving overall fuel system performance and safety.
15. The fuel system of claim 12 wherein the controller is further configured to open the first valve subsequent to determining the state of the valve.
A fuel system for managing fuel flow in an engine includes a controller that monitors and controls fuel delivery. The system comprises a first valve and a second valve, where the first valve regulates fuel flow to a combustion chamber, and the second valve controls fuel flow to a bypass path. The controller determines the operational state of the first valve, such as whether it is open or closed, to ensure proper fuel distribution. If the first valve is closed, the controller may direct fuel through the second valve to the bypass path, preventing fuel starvation in the combustion chamber. The controller is also configured to open the first valve after verifying its state, ensuring fuel is delivered to the combustion chamber when needed. This system improves fuel efficiency and engine performance by dynamically adjusting fuel flow based on real-time valve conditions. The invention addresses challenges in fuel delivery systems where valve malfunctions or delays can lead to inefficient combustion or engine damage. By actively monitoring and controlling valve states, the system ensures reliable fuel distribution under varying operating conditions.
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October 19, 2021
December 6, 2022
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